Meknes – José Mourinho has finally spoken out about the persisting media reports linking him to the Real Madrid job as the top candidate to replace Alvaro Arbeloa.
In a recent interview with the Italian newspaper Il Giornale, the Portuguese coach was asked about rumors linking him to Real Madrid or Juventus. Citing the interview, Mundo Deportivo reported on Wednesday that Mourinho dismissed the idea of leaving Benfica this summer, reaffirming his commitment to his current role at the helm of the Portuguese club.
“No, my next objective is to take Benfica to the Champions League,” Mundo Deportivo quoted Mourinho as stressing while making it clear that he remains focused on achieving success at Benfica.
Mourinho also reportedly praised his current players. “We’ve had an extraordinary run; we’re the only team in Europe that hasn’t lost a match,” Mundo Deportivo reported him as saying. “If we win our next three games, we’ll be playing in the most important competition in Europe. That’s all I can think about.”
“The Special one” returned to Benfica for a second time in September 2025. This homecoming marked 25 years since his first head coaching job at the club, and he has quickly turned the team into a powerhouse.
His biggest achievement so far is leading Benfica to an undefeated record in the league, as they are the only team in Europe that hasn’t lost a match in their national league, putting them in a perfect position to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Looking back on a career filled with trophies at Chelsea, Inter, and Real Madrid, Mourinho shared a surprising thought about his years in Italy.
“For me, Rome was the best place in my career. I’ve never felt such an incredible environment around a football team. The Olimpico was always full.”
Even though he was let go by Roma in January 2024, the Portuguese manager visibly still has deep respect for the club and its fans.
The 63-year-old led Roma to win the Conference League title in 2022 and reached the Europa League final the next year. Because of these successes, he feels that he built a special bond with the fans that is like nothing else he has experienced.
Although his contract with Benfica runs until 2027, Mourinho has a special clause that allows him to leave for free during a ten-day window at the end of the season. Because of this, he is arguably in no rush to make a decision and is waiting for the perfect moment to decide his next move.
